Continuing the complex discussion on violence in childhood,
there is one aspect that often goes unnoticed, despite its frequent appearance in therapy—the impact of childhood sibling violence on adult life. Many people have never consciously reflected on it, yet it significantly shapes their psychological well-being.
Sibling Violence: The Overlooked Childhood Trauma
One of the most significant but frequently ignored forms of childhood violence is sibling violence and its long-term consequences in adulthood.
This occurs especially in families where:
✔ Parents do not intervene and say, “Sort it out yourselves!”
✔ Parents favor one child, always siding with the “preferred” sibling.
While sibling relationships are typically characterized by love, support, and friendship, the presence of violence casts a long shadow over childhood.
Sibling violence includes:
✔ Physical aggression
✔ Verbal abuse
✔ Psychological manipulation & pressure
✔ Even sexual violence
Unlike peer bullying or parental abuse, sibling violence happens within the family—blurring the lines between normal childhood rivalry and harmful patterns that cause lasting trauma.
🔹 Because this form of violence is often normalized within families, both the victim and the family struggle to recognize it as abuse.
🔹 As a result, the problem is minimized and remains hidden, making it even harder to heal.
The Long-Term Consequences of Sibling Violence
Sibling violence in childhood can affect multiple areas of adult life, including:
✔ Interpersonal relationships
✔ Emotional well-being
✔ Behavioral patterns
Research shows that individuals who experienced sibling violence are more likely to:
🔹 Struggle with forming and maintaining healthy relationships
🔹 Experience trust issues & intimacy difficulties
🔹 Have a higher tendency toward conflict
These unresolved childhood experiences hinder a person’s ability to form secure attachments—both in romantic relationships and social connections.
Psychological & Emotional Impact
The emotional toll of sibling violence can manifest in adulthood as:
✔ Chronic anxiety
✔ Depression
✔ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
🔹 Many survivors experience low self-esteem and identity confusion, struggling with self-worth due to unresolved childhood wounds.
Understanding Family Dynamics in Therapy
In family therapy, it is crucial to explore the underlying dynamics that contribute to sibling violence.
✔ This type of violence is often rooted in family patterns (which can be identified through a family genogram).
✔ It may be linked to unresolved conflicts or parental aggression, reflecting larger systemic issues within the family.
To effectively address sibling violence, an integrated approach is necessary—one that involves not just the individuals directly affected but the entire family system.
Healing & Intervention
Recovery from the effects of childhood sibling violence requires a multifaceted approach, including:
✔ Individual therapy
✔ Family therapy
✔ Psychological education
🔹 A safe therapeutic environment allows survivors to:
✔ Recognize and validate their experiences
✔ Process their emotions
✔ Develop coping mechanisms tailored to their healing journey
🔹 Family therapy plays a crucial role in:
✔ Addressing systemic family issues
✔ Encouraging open communication
✔ Restoring trust and respect between family members
Through collective effort, families can:
✔ Acknowledge past harm
✔ Teach children empathy and mutual understanding
✔ Foster healthier relationship dynamics
Breaking the Cycle: Recognizing & Addressing Sibling Violence
Sibling violence casts a long shadow into adulthood, affecting personal development and the dynamics of one’s current family relationships.
💡 That’s why it is essential to recognize its deep impact, provide support, and intervene when necessary.
By promoting healing and positive change within the family system, individuals can break free from the legacy of violence and create secure, fulfilling relationships in adulthood.
Psychotherapy 
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